AMBASSADOR VLADIMIR DOROKHIN: "AZERBAIJAN IS NOT WELL KNOWN IN RUSSIA" – INTERVIEW – PHOTOSESSION

APA
Sept 18 2009
Azerbaijan

-How do you assess the state of political, economic, humanitarian
relations between Azerbaijan and Russia within the eight months
of 2009?

-The results are good. The relations are developing. We cal
each strategic partners and it has been proved in practice. Our
presidents met four times within the past period, political dialogue
was dynamic. Days of Azerbaijani Culture were held in Moscow and
Kazan, we are making arrangements for the Days of Russian Culture in
Azerbaijan in autumn.

-Has the global financial crisis affected the economic relations
between our countries? Will the trade turnover reach the planned
level by the yearend?

-The crisis has had a negative influence. Fall is observed in
Russia-Azerbaijan trade relations. The level of this fall is
less compared with the falls in Russia’s trade with other CIS
countries. According to our calculations, trade turnover fell by 20
percent within the eight months, according to Azerbaijan’s calculations
trade turnover fell by 12 percent. We will likely fail to reach the
last year’s figure – $2.4 billion. We suppose that the mutual trade
turnover will make up $2 billion.

-How are the documents signed during Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev’s June visit to Azerbaijan being implemented? We particularly
mean division of the Samur river, delimitation of borders, purchase
and sale of Azerbaijan’s gas and location of diplomatic offices.

-Agreement principle was reached on all these issues in Baku. There
is an agreement in principle on the line of border line. I reiterate
that this agreement in principle was reached due to Azerbaijan’s
constructive position in the division of the Samur river. Azerbaijan
made a wise proposal on joint use of the river and it paves the way for
the compromise in the border issue. Work continues on giving mandate
to the delegations for holding negotiations. The aim is to prepare
the necessary documents by the yearend. Anyway, in the fourth quarter
the sides must report to the presidents about the stage of the work.

As regards the gas, Gazprom and SOCAR are having talks. This is an
economic issue, not a political one. SOCAR says the contract will be
signed soon.

Agreement was reached to hold the meeting of experts in connection
with the location of diplomatic offices. I hope the draft documents
will be on the table.

-On what stage is the establishment of Economic Cooperation
Organization of the Caspian States? Which littoral states supported
this idea?

-The establishment of the organization is on the initial stage, even
at the stage of initiative. Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran support
this initiate. Azerbaijan has also expressed its support. Only
Turkmenistan remains. I think this idea will be realized, because
economic cooperation covers the interests of millions of people. It
means new jobs, money, profit. There is an opinion that it is early
to establish an organization determining the legal status of the
Caspian Sea. It is hard to protest against it, but on the other hand,
one can think the other way: if the organization is established and
the cooperation has practical results, it may give stimulus to the
determination of the status.

-May four littoral states of the former USSR introduce a unique concept
concerning the status? Why wasn’t Iran invited to the informal summit
of the Caspian states in Aktau?

– It was not a Caspian summit, but an informal meeting of four
presidents. Probably Caspian issues were also discussed there, but
they didn’t address any issue related to the Caspian status. Everyone
considers that there are five littoral states and all five have to
make joint decision on this issue. Iran had certain questions. I
think participants of Aktau meeting gave quite enough answers to its
questions. The negotiations are conducted within format of five and
it will continue so. No one proposed four sides to be united against
one. The work is done between five countries and everyone is satisfied
with that.

– Are the reports true that Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
Yuriy Merzlyakov will be replaced with Grigoriy Karasin?

– Merzlyakov is expected to be appointed to new office by the end
of year. The reports about Karasin were officially denied. Russia
will announce its new co-chair when he is appointed. The versions
are speculations.

– Parts to Nagorno Karabakh conflict, international mediators say
that the negotiations are in final phase. Is Chisinau meeting of the
presidents expected to bring results?

– I can’t say anything on behalf of the parts of conflict. As a
representative of mediator country, I would like to say that Russia
doesn’t prefer thunderous statements and prognoses. I think the
mediators should be calmer to do fruitful work. We will make all
efforts to reach positive results in Chisinau.

– Azerbaijan doesn’t like participation of neighbor countries in the
peacekeeping forces to be deployed in the conflict zone. How is Russia
reacting to that?

– I read statements and opinions of political analysts in Azerbaijani
newspapers. Russia relies on the official statement of Azerbaijan’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue. The Foreign Ministry’s
officials said that peacekeeping mission, its mandate and authorities
were complicated and long-prospective issue and it is not on agenda
today.

-How the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations will impact on
the solution of Nagorno Karabakh problem?

– Russia supports Turkish-Armenian relations in the context of
contribution to the regional peace and stability and prevention of
new tensions.

– Some political analysts consider that protocols to be signed between
Turkey and Armenia will annul 1921 Kars treaty. Is it possible legally?

– The scientists and analysts have a large imagination and earn
money on that. Russia recognizes the Kars treaty. It is a document
of international law in force and we are not going to refuse that.

– Is it true that Russian citizens living in Uryanoba and Khrakhoba
villages of Khachmaz region are going to receive Azerbaijani
citizenship? How many homes and population in those villages?

– Azerbaijani newspapers pay great attention to this issue. They
are writing such things that can be called an insinuation. There
are five homes in one village and 60 – in other one. 300 people
are living there. The status of those people who are living in
Azerbaijan’s territory with Russian passports was not determined
yet. We highly appreciate tolerance of Azerbaijani government. Those
people were allowed to determine their status. The embassy officials
visited those villages recently. I talked with the prime minister of
Dagestan on that issue. He intends to help those people in calmness
and non-political atmosphere.

– You are working in Azerbaijan for six months. What can you say
about the country?

– There are few ideas about Azerbaijan in Russia. I realized for
myself in the past six months that we know few things about your
country and don’t give necessary appreciation. It is not good for
us. Russia must adequately appreciate its close neighbor and partner.